Enriching experiences and a nutritious lunch are being made available in the Christmas holidays for the children of families receiving benefits-related free school meals.

The Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme offers fun with friends and free food for primary and secondary school children in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

The sessions will include a healthy meal, a variety of exciting activities or sports and the opportunity to socialise with other children. Any child receiving benefits-related free school meals is eligible for the programme.

Funded by the Department for Education (DfE) for the next three years, the HAF scheme enables local authorities to coordinate free holiday childcare and enriching experiences locally. The programme will be delivered by approved providers, co-ordinated by Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council.

Each eligible child will be able to access up to 16 hours of free holiday childcare or enriching experiences through the school Christmas holiday period. Bookings have already opened and information about how to book with participating providers can be found at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/haf and Early Years & Childcare | Peterborough Information Network

As part of the HAF programme, eligible children will be able to access:

• Fun and enriching play opportunities or new experiences that provide children with new skills and knowledge.
• At least one meal a day.
• Guidance on healthy eating and getting children involved in food preparation and cooking.
• Support for parents, carers or other family members with guidance on how to source, prepare and cook nutritious and low-cost food.
• Information and signposting to other services and support which might be helpful.

Both councils are working with local schools, voluntary and community organisations, and childcare providers to deliver the HAF programme.

Cllr Bryony Goodliffe, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Children and Young People’s Committee said: “I am delighted that this excellent scheme is being continued in Cambridgeshire in the Christmas holidays. The HAF programme complements the work we are already doing to educate children about the benefits of physical and creative activity and nutritious eating. I would urge parents to book as early as possible since places are limited.”

Visit the government website for more information on the national programme.